Argyll's Fisheries

Both migratory and resident fish species support local fisheries;

Salmon and Sea Trout

Historically, salmon and sea trout populations have supported a significant number of commercial and recreational fisheries, but since the early 1990s, significant declines in fish abundance mean that many fisheries have ceased to operate, resulting in a decline in biodiversity, economic activity and cultural richness. Today, much of this resource is currently understood to be in a poor state with many populations under pressure for a number of reasons.

Recreational fisheries

Primarily, the Awe catchment continues to be the most active recreational fishery, whose five year average salmon catch from 2002 has been in excess of 450 fish, approximately 70% of which have been returned. Many other smaller scale fisheries continue to operate, but at a lower level than in the past. The vast majority of fisheries operate on a catch & release basis, allowing the maximum number of fish possible to contribute to the spawning effort and ensure that the recruitment of the next generation of fish is as successful as possible. Click here to download pdf document 'Catch and Release: A Guide to Best Practice' »

Commercial fisheries

Nearly all commercial net fisheries in Argyll have ceased operating due to declining numbers of salmon returning to our rivers.

Management Plans

AFT is currently developing a number of Strategic Fishery Management Plans which are aimed at providing robust guidance on conserving and improving the fishery resource, based on up-to-date information on fish populations and their habitats.

Brown Trout

There are a number of loch fisheries for wild brown trout in Argyll, the largest of which is Loch Awe. An average of over 15,000 rod days is fished each year by anglers on the Loch, catching an estimated 10,000 trout per year. The management of this important fishery has been a major focus of the AFT since 1997, culminating in the development of the Loch Awe Strategic Fishery Management Plan in 2006.

Coarse Fish

Loch Awe is the largest fishery offering ticket access for coarse fish in Argyll, and is renowned for its pike fishing. Perch and more recently, roach are also present. AFT, collaborating with anglers, has undertaken a pike tagging study to investigate their survival and movement.